Tougher theory tests mean learner drivers are failing more than half the time

Tougher theory tests mean learner drivers are failing more than half the time

Conor Matchett

Published:10:43 amMay 14, 2019

Harder driving theory tests have led to less than half of all would-be motorists passing the exam in the last year.

Only 47 per cent of driving hopefuls passed their theory test over the last 12 months – a drop of a quarter in just over a decade.

In 2007/08, 65 per cent of people who sat the theory test passed, but changes to the exam to make it harder have caused the pass rate plummet.

Men more likely to fail

Male drivers are more likely to fail their theory test than women, the Department of Transport statistics show.

Only 45 per cent of men and 49 per cent of women pass their exams, with men always having a pass rate of around four to six percent less than women over the last decade.

The overall number of theory tests has also dropped sharply in the last year, with 1.34 million tests conducted compared to nearly 1.9m in 2017/18 and nearly 2m in 2016/18.

The statistics show fewer people have taken the theory test than in any other year since 2012/13.

Drivers believe they would fail if forced to sit theory test again

A survey has also shown that less than half of the UK’s drivers feel they would pass the current theory test if they had to take it again.

The research from MoneySuperMarket (based on survey responses from more than 2,800 drivers) showed 43 per cent of drivers would not feel confident they would pass.

Learner drivers are asked 50 multiple choice questions and must answer at least 43 right, as well as scoring 44 out of 75 on a hazard perception section where they have to spot road dangers.

Mark Winn, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s chief driving examiner told The Times, “DVSA’s priority is to help everyone through a lifetime of safe driving. Britain’s roads are among the safest in the world but all road users must make sure their skills and knowledge are up to date.

“The highway code is essential reading for all road users, not just those who are learning.”